North Melbourne veteran Shaun Higgins has been traded to Geelong for Pick 30.

In a report posted earlier in the week by AFL Media,ย Geelong's recruitment staff explained they were reluctant to trade "anything more than a second-round pick" to secure the 32-year-old midfielder's services.

North held the whip hand in negotiations due to Higgins still having a year to run on his contract at Arden Street.

โ€œWe have always liked Shaun as a player and we are happy that we could work with Shaun, his management and North Melbourne to get this trade completed,โ€ Geelong recruiting and list manager Stephen Wells told the club website.

โ€œShaun is a very talented and accomplished player and he can fill a number of roles. We are looking forward to seeing him in Geelong colours.โ€

North Melbourne asked the two-time Syd Barker medalist to explore his options during this trade period and are reported to be supportive of Higgins' family oriented move to the Cattery.